The Bachelor of Science in Architecture is an accelerated four-year pre-professional program designed to efficiently dovetail with the Master of Architecture, our NAAB accredited professional degree (and with similar Master of Architecture degrees offered at other institutions).

The Architecture Program offers a four-year undergraduate course of study leading to the Bachelor of Science in Architecture. This degree program is designed to provide students with comprehensive liberal education while delivering rigorous pre-professional study in architecture. Upon completion of the degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree students may apply to continue in the accredited Master of Architecture professional degree program.

The undergraduate program in architecture is designed to minimize the time required to complete the curriculum leading to the professional degree. Many students who complete the Bachelor of Science in Architecture at the University of Maryland continue in our Master of Architecture program or elect to pursue graduate studies at another institution. Many schools of architecture nationwide provide Master of Architecture programs that are compatible with our undergraduate degree (consult the NAAB directory of accredited programs in North America).

The initial years of the program blend general education requirements with foundational work in design thinking and making, design media (manual drawing, digital media, and physical model-making), architectural history and theory, building methods and materials, as well as introductory design studio.

One feature of the program is the potential for a junior-year semester abroad, which is facilitated by a partnership between the University of Maryland and the International Studies Institute in Florence, Italy. Students learn Italian, live in the heart of this historic city, and draw upon the rich history of the Italy. Is a semester abroad too long a stay for you? We offer three-week winter term and six-week summer session programs to Italy, Turkey, France, UK, Scandinavia, and more.

Most students will complement their undergraduate major with a minor to give them specific academic credentials in a particular field. Some of the most popular minors are:

Senior year includes capstone projects that work directly with communities throughout the State of Maryland to address real-world problems. The Partnership in Active Learning through Sustainability program, or PALS for short, brings the intellectual powerhouse of Maryland students into direct service of citizens throughout the state. The opportunity to explain your ideas directly to non-architects helps you to find your own professional voice.

And what happens after you complete your degree? Some graduates elect to spend a year or two away from academia in order to develop their professional interests while working as paid interns in an office. Many students will continue to complete their professional degree either here at Maryland or one of the many NAAB accredited programs nationwide.

Welcome and thank you for your interest in the undergraduate degree programs in the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation here at the University of Maryland. All prospective students must apply through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. If you are interested in pursuing Architecture as your major at the University of Maryland, make sure that you indicate this on your undergraduate admissions application. Our majors are not limited enrollment programs, so if you are accepted to the University of Maryland, you will be accepted into the Architecture program.

Deadline

Application Process Overview

All applicants must meet the University’s requirements for admission and are evaluated in a holistic review process. For a comprehensive list of the requirements for Admission, please see the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website.

Freshman and transfer applicant should select “Architecture” as their intended major on the application.

A portfolio is not required for freshman applicants.

Transfer applicants should see the Transfer Students section below for more information regarding admissions.

Preparation in High School

The undergraduate program in Architecture is focused on both of the arts and the sciences. Applicants are typically strong in one or both of these areas. To prepare for this program, you should:

Pursue the highest level math classes you can in high school through senior year. AP Calculus is encouraged if offered.

Take physics in high school. AP Physics is encouraged if offered.

Take freehand drawing and art classes in any and all media. Computer drafting courses are not required.

High school students interested in majoring in Architecture are encouraged to join us at the University of Maryland for our High School Summer Program.

Degree Placement Review Process

In order for students to be placed in the degree that best suits their individual needs, skills, interests, and professional goals, there is a Degree Placement Review Process undertaken before the junior year. This process will determine if a student follows the requirements for the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree.

Current UMD Students

During sophomore year, students will need to submit an essay, transcript(s), and portfolio in February. This will determine which undergraduate degree you will pursue. If you are intending to complete the requirements for the Bachelor of Science, a portfolio is required. If you intend on pursuing the Bachelor of Arts, you will not be required to participate in the Degree Placement Review Process.

All the information and requirements can be found on the Student Services page by clicking on the Degree Placement Review Process section.

Transfer Students

If you intend on entering the University of Maryland as a junior and plan on completing your undergraduate degree in two years through the Bachelor of Science, you must participate in the Degree Placement Review Process. The requirements are due by March 1st. More information can be found in the Transfer Students section below.

Transfer Students

All transfer applicants should list Architecture as your intended major on the application.

Pre-Transfer

The Pre-Transfer Advising program provides support to prospective transfer students from two-year and four-year schools before they apply to the University of Maryland to complete an undergraduate degree. Students are encouraged to use pre-transfer advising services to assess their readiness to transfer and estimate their time to degree completion. To sign up for a pre-transfer advising appointment, please visit: http://www.transferadvising.umd.edu.

Transfer Credits

The transfer credit evaluation process usually begins for newly admitted students two weeks after you receive your admission letter. To learn more about this process, please visit the Transfer Credit Services website.

Transfer Student Requirements

Deadline

For best consideration, transfer applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the priority deadline. For Fall, this is March 1st and for Spring, this is August 1st. All the transfer deadlines to the University of Maryland can be found at:

Degree Placement Review Process

If you would like to be considered for junior standing in the Bachelor of Science degree and will have completed at least 60 credits by the time you enter the University of Maryland, you must participate in the Degree Placement Review Process. Applicants interested in the Bachelor of Arts are not required to participate.

If you intend to begin at the University of Maryland in the Fall, your materials must be submitted by March 1st. If you intend to enter in the Spring, your materials must be submitted by August 1st.

The requirements for the Degree Placement Review Process are separate from the materials your will submit for admission to the University. While your materials are being submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, you should also submit the following to the Director of Student Services:

Michael Brick

School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation

University of Maryland, College Park

1200 Architecture Building

3835 Campus Drive

College Park, MD 20742

Transfer applicants will need to submit:

Application Form

Essay

Unofficial transcript(s)

Portfolio

These materials are due to the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at the address above. Do not send your portfolio to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are internships apart of the Architecture curriculum?

A: Internships are not required as part of the curriculum at the University of Maryland. However, students are highly encouraged to seek out internships during the summer and winter recesses, as well as during the academic year. The School holds an annual Career Fair just for Architecture students every spring to assist in this process. Students are also able to receive academic credit for their internships.

Q: Do I need a portfolio to apply as an incoming freshman?

A: The University of Maryland does NOT require freshman applicants to submit a portfolio.

Q: I’m not a student yet, but can I still come in to talk to an advisor?

A: Any student interested in Architecture is welcome to make an advising appointment with the Director of Student Services. Taking a tour of the Architecture building and facilities is highly recommended in addition to an advising appointment. Tours can be scheduled by going to: http://arch.umd.edu/arch/prospective-students-arch.

Q: Will I be able to become an architect with a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Architecture?

A: Since our undergraduate programs are considered pre-professional architecture degrees, students holding this degree will have to complete a professional degree before being able to sit for the Architect Registration Exam. Many students continue in our professionally accredited Master of Architecture program or elect to pursue graduate studies at another institution.

Q: Who should I contact if I have any questions?

A: The Director of Student Services and Undergraduate Advisors in the Office of Student Services are happy to answer any and all questions you might have. Please contact them at archadvise@umd.edu.

Q: Will I get credit for my AP, IB and CLEP Scores?

A: Maryland will give credit for many different AP, IB and CLEP tests and scores. Generally, you must earn a minimum score on a test to receive credit. You can find a complete list of the tests and credits here: http://www.transfercredit.umd.edu/plc.html.

Q: What is studio?

A: Design studio is an intensive teaching-learning environment that involves hands-on learning. It is an integrated experience where students learn not only from faculty members, but also from their peers. Students analyze and propose innovative solutions to contemporary problems using a variety of media (hand drawing, physical modeling, and digital media). The studio environment encourages integration of knowledge gleaned from other courses taken throughout the curriculum and encourages students to work collaboratively and individually based on a “learning by doing” educational ethic.

Q: What is the difference between a Bachelor of Science in Architecture/Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (BS Arch/BA Arch) and a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch)?

A: First and foremost, the undergraduate programs here at the University of Maryland are pre-professional degrees, similar to pre-Med or pre-Law. To practice these professions an accredited professional degree is typically required. The B.S. or B.A. degrees offer students increased opportunity to develop a solid liberal educational base, prior to delving deep into the professional and technical requirements of a professional degree. Upon completion of the undergraduate program students may elect to pursue the Master of Architecture (professional degree), continue graduate studies in another profession such as historic preservation, landscape architecture, real estate development, or urban planning to name but a few fields, or they may take time to intern in an architect’s office. In contrast to the our programs, the Bachelor of Architecture degree is a five-year undergraduate professional degree that emphasizes a more narrow focus on professional education. The B ARCH degree historically predated the M ARCH. In the late 1960’s the American Institute of Architects issued the “Princeton Report on architectural education” and schools nationwide began to shift the awarding of the professional degree in architecture to the graduate level. Today there are three accredited professional degree tracks recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, they are the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture (see: www.naab.org).

Q: What kind of jobs will I be prepared for after completing my Bachelor’s degree in Architecture at the University of Maryland?

A: Employment opportunities for students who hold an undergraduate degree in Architecture are quite diverse. The most common is to work in the office of a registered architect in the capacity as an intern. Other fields that students commonly enter are graphic design, website design, 3-d visualization and animation, industrial design, and construction fields.

Contact

If you have any questions regarding the Undergraduate programs in Architecture, please contact the Office of Student Services:

Technology Requirements

The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation requires that all students studying architecture purchase a laptop computer. Specific requirements for students studying architecture are listed below for both hardware and software.

We provide the following technical specifications to define the baseline requirements. Many software applications are available to all matriculated students. We recommend you check here to see a complete list. A list of required and recommended software is listed below. Please take advantage of student discounts for software.

Hardware -- Approximately $2,600.00 Total

APPLE

Apple MacBook Pro

Processor Intel Core i5 or i7

Memory (RAM) 16 GB or greater

Display 13 or 15 -inch widescreen

Hard Drive 500 GB HD @ 7200 RPM or 512 Flash Storage or greater

Wireless + Bluetooth

Warranty 3-year AppleCare protection plan

PC

Dell XPS 15 (or equivalent)

Processor Intel Core i5 or i7

Memory (RAM) 16 GB

Display 14 or 15 inch widescreen

Hard Drive 500 GB HD @ 7200 RPM or 512 Flash Storage or greater

Wireless + Bluetooth

Video Card 2 GB memory (RAM) or greater

Warranty 3 year ProSupport on-site plan

Also additional external storage and peripherals are recommended for workability and backup purposes.

Software -- Approximately $244.00 Total

The following are the required software applications for architecture students:

Tuition and Fees

As a public institution we are committed to making higher education affordable. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine has recognized our efforts, ranking Maryland No. 9 among "best values" in public higher education for Maryland residents and No. 14 for non-Maryland residents.

Financial Aid

College is a major investment for you and your family. The university is here to help. We offer an array of financial aid programs—including scholarships, grants, loans and student employment—as part of our commitment to making an excellent education affordable. Nearly 75 percent of UMD freshmen receive some form of financial aid.

The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation also provides some scholarships for undergraduate students in need. Admitted freshmen are automatically considered for merit-based aid when you apply. Once enrolled here at the University of Maryland, there are additional scholarships you may apply for as well.

Other strategies for identifying financial support to afford college include applying for national grants, local scholarships, and public service programs. National grants include Pell Grants, Academic Competitiveness Grants, and National SMART Grants. Ask your guidance counselor for assistance identifying other grant programs. Many local civic and religious institutions often have financial aid available in the form of scholarships. Contact those organizations in your home community and with which you and your family are involved to learn what is available. Finally, public service programs, such as Peace Corp, AmeriCorps, National Health Services Corps, and ROTC programs offer college money in exchange for a service commitment after college. Explore these options to see if one might fit with your academic and career goals.

Other Financial Aid Options

The Federal Government provides aid to more than 10 million students each year with grants, low interest loans and work-study programs. The Federal student aid programs are the largest source of student aid in America. These programs provide more than $80 billion a year in grants, loans, and work-study assistance.

Freshman applying to University of Maryland, you will automatically be considered for several university scholarships. Transfer students may apply for the Transfer Academic Excellence Scholarship if they qualify.

Scholarships may be also available from the Federal and State government, local companies or your parent's workplace.

BS in Architecture

Minors

Minors afford students the opportunity to pursue a limited but structured concentration in a coherent field of study outside their major. The minor may be a truncated version of a major or a distinctive intellectual subset of a discipline. Minors are not offered in every field of study, so students should consult with their undergraduate advisor to develop a plan for completing a minor.

The list of undergraduate minors offered at the University of Maryland is extensive, but here are a few of the minors that have been popular with architecture students in the past:

Construction Project Management

Do you enjoy the excitement of seeing a building under construction? Did you know that the construction industry in Maryland actively recruits 70% of their college graduates from outside of state because the supply of in-state graduates is not sufficient to meet the demand? Want an exciting and meaningful career where at the end of the day you can say, “I built that?” Construction Project Management is probably for you!

Please click here for more information about the minor in Construction Project Management.

Real Estate Development

Did you know that real estate developers have an enormous impact upon the quality of our built environment? They put together the deals, decide on which design gets built, and develop the financial packages that make ideas a reality. If you choose this minor, you could soon be embarking on an exciting journey in a unique program that combines academics and practice, professors and practitioners in a joint effort to enhance, or jumpstart, your career in real estate development.

Please click here for more information about the minor in Real Estate Development.

Sustainability Studies

Do you care about the future of our planet? Do you want to make sure that the environments you design are sustainable and resilient? Are you curious about the wide array of social, technical, and economic factors that influence sustainability? If the answer is yes, then this might be the minor for you!

Please click here for more information about the minor in Sustainability Studies.

On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students we want to welcome you to the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. We are happy that you will be joining us and hope that your experience is productive, rewarding, and enjoyable. We have assembled some information to aid you in your transition into our classroom/studio environment. Should you find that there are items that are not addressed, please let us know so that we can help you get the answer to your question as well as include that information for future generations. Feel free to contact us to discuss your concerns.

As you scroll down this page, please click on the topic of interest to you in order to expand the window.

Keep up to date on what's happening in the Architecture Program and be informed about important advising deadlines by visiting the ARCH calendar.

Prospective Students

The Architecture Program is an intimate academic environment committed to developing future leaders who apply design-thinking skills to contemporary architectural and urban issues. The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation is a small academic unit providing individual advising and focused instruction within the context of the University of Maryland, one of the nation’s largest and most respected public research institutions.

Our graduates are highly sought after because their education provides unparalleled opportunities to gain critical insights into sustainable technologies, building craft, architectural history and theory, and urban design. The Washington - Baltimore region is one of the finest places in North America to study architecture. The history, culture, architecture, and urbanism in our regional context is complemented by a variety of foreign educational opportunities that prepare our students to live and work in a global environment.

As a newly enrolled Maryland student, you are embarking on an incredibly exciting time in your life. To help with your transition to campus, please review the information on these pages for your next steps to ensure you’re ready for your first day on campus. If your schedule permits, register and attend one of our Admitted Student Open Houses.

Orientation

New Student Orientation is required of all incoming freshmen and transfer students, regardless of your residency status.

At orientation, you will meet with an academic advisor, connect with other new students, get your student ID and register for classes. The program will prepare you for the academic rigor at Maryland, introduce you to Terp traditions and acquaint you with our campus resources.

Housing

At Maryland, you’re going to need a place to stay and food to eat. With more than 50 residence halls in seven unique residential communities, we have you covered.

a student admitted for the spring semester who is participating in Freshmen Connection.

Health Requirements

Undergraduate students registered for six or more credit hours must show proof of health insurance coverage. Students must complete an online waiver card each academic year to fulfill this requirement. If you don’t submit a waiver by July 15, you’ll be enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Get more information and complete proof of insurance waiver through the University Health Center website.

New students must also complete the Immunization Form. The form can be submitted at Orientation, and students may be assessed a late fee if it is submitted after the first day of class.

Finances

College is a major investment for you and your family. We are here to help you every step of the way.

We offer an array of financial aid programs—including scholarships, grants, loans and student employment—as part of our commitment to making an excellent education affordable. Explore the different ways you can finance your Maryland education.

Final Transcripts

Incoming freshmen must submit final high school transcripts as soon as they are available so we may confirm your high school graduation and facilitate course credit evaluation. Transfer students must submit official college transcripts upon completion of any courses in progress. If you’ve earned credits through courses at another institution or through standard exams (such as AP, IB, A/AS Level and CLEP exams), they may count toward your Maryland degree.

Your institution should mail transcripts directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the address below or submit them electronically through Naviance or eSCRIP-SAFE. Transcripts cannot be emailed, scanned, or faxed to our office.

The transfer credit evaluation process usually begins for newly admitted students two weeks after you receive your admission letter. To learn more about this process, please visit the Transfer Credit Services website.

Mail your most recent transcripts to the address below:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions University of Maryland Mitchell Building 7999 Regents Dr. College Park, MD 20742-5235

Parking & Transportation

Regardless of where you live, you’ll likely use the resources of the university’s Department of Transportation Services (DOTS). In addition to operating several campus-based routes that run up to 20 hours per day, Shuttle-UM buses travel to local neighborhoods, Metro stations, shops, restaurants and nearby apartment communities. All you need to ride Shuttle-UM is your student ID.

First- and second-year students who live in residence halls may purchase parking permits and bring their vehicles to campus on a space-available basis. A range of permits, including options for carpoolers and students who plan to drive to campus only occasionally, are available for off-campus students. DOTS also offers services for students who commute by bicycle.

Current Students

Current students are encouraged to speak to the Director of Student Services, Michael Brick, with any questions you may have. You may reach him at:

All students are required to meet with an academic advisor at least once a week to discuss your curriculum and degree progress. Please see the Student Services page for more information.

Student Organizations

ARCHITECTURE STUDENT ASSEMBLY (ASA)

Description:

The Architecture Student Assembly consists of all students enrolled in the Architecture Program including pre-studio sequence students, junior and senior undergraduate architecture majors, and all students in the Master of Architecture as well as the Master of Science in Architecture (post-professional degree) program. The ASA provides official student representation to the Architecture Program Assembly and is the source from which student representatives are selected for membership in the Program's committees.

Mission:

Our mission is to enrich relationships by facilitating commuincation between faculty and students as well as promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.

The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is an independent, non-profit organization committed to promoting excellence in architectural education, training, and practice. Nationally recognized, the University of Maryland AIAS chapter belongs to a community of architecture students across the country devoted to bettering the educational and professional experience of its members. By hosting social, professional, academic, and service events, AIAS offers its members the opportunity to become more active in their scholastic careers.

Mission:

The American Institute of Architects (AIAS) aims to promote scholarship, passion, collaboration, and community service in architectural education and practice. Our chapter acts as a voice for its students and provides opportunities to become involved in chapter events and network with professionals. AIAS strives to inspire a passion for the built environment while establishing a sense of community among its members, the university, and other entities in the D.C. metro area and beyond.

Architecture in the Schools (AIS) matches volunteer architects with public school teachers to enrich the learning experience of children. AIS reinforces core academic skills. AIS teaches children how to exercise their analytical and creative skills through the architectural design process. AIS fosters a heightened civic consciousness, bridging the gap between what is learned in school and everyday life.

Mission:

We are architects, engineers, planners, landscape architects, teachers and students working to improve the quality of life in the DC area. Through public schools programs and scholarships, design services for community non-profits, and a design competition that supports the Capital Area Food Bank, WAF uses its resources wisely to offer help and make change where it is needed most.

Regularly Scheduled Events:

Teaching an 8-week long design project to a Project Lead-the-Yal class at Northwestern High School.

NOMAS celebrates diversity in the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation through programs and initiatives that value the mosaic of cultures and experiences that students bring to the table.

Mission:

The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) mission is to champion diversity within the design professions by promoting the excellence, community engagement, and professional development of its members.

APX is the national fraternity for architecture and the allied arts. Its brotherhood unites men and women for the purpose of fellowship and lifelong friendships and mutual interest in professional development. This is exemplified by the fraternity's motto: Fidelitas, Amor et Artes or "Fidelity and Love of the Arts."

Mission:

Alpha Rho Chi (APX) prepares its members to live up to the demands and expectations of the business world. Members learn to live and work with other people and to share experiences and ideas, By practicing tolerance, consideration and mutual respect, they observe and develop principals of leadership, service, communication and human relations.

Technology Requirements

The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation requires that all students studying architecture purchase a laptop computer. Specific requirements for students studying architecture are listed below for both hardware and software.

We provide the following technical specifications to define the baseline requirements. Many software applications are available to all matriculated students. We recommend you check here to see a complete list. A list of required and recommended software is listed below. Please take advantage of student discounts for software.

Hardware -- Approximately $2,600.00 Total

APPLE

Apple MacBook Pro

Processor Intel Core i5 or i7

Memory (RAM) 16 GB or greater

Display 13 or 15 -inch widescreen

Hard Drive 500 GB HD @ 7200 RPM or 512 Flash Storage or greater

Wireless + Bluetooth

Warranty 3-year AppleCare protection plan

PC

Dell XPS 15 (or equivalent)

Processor Intel Core i5 or i7

Memory (RAM) 16 GB

Display 14 or 15 inch widescreen

Hard Drive 500 GB HD @ 7200 RPM or 512 Flash Storage or greater

Wireless + Bluetooth

Video Card 2 GB memory (RAM) or greater

Warranty 3 year ProSupport on-site plan

Also additional external storage and peripherals are recommended for workability and backup purposes.

Software -- Approximately $244.00 Total

The following are the required software applications for architecture students:

Tuition and Fees

As a public institution we are committed to making higher education affordable. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine has recognized our efforts, ranking Maryland No. 9 among "best values" in public higher education for Maryland residents and No. 14 for non-Maryland residents.

Financial Aid

College is a major investment for you and your family. The university is here to help. We offer an array of financial aid programs—including scholarships, grants, loans and student employment—as part of our commitment to making an excellent education affordable. Nearly 75 percent of UMD freshmen receive some form of financial aid.

The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation also provides some scholarships for undergraduate students in need. Admitted freshmen are automatically considered for merit-based aid when you apply. Once enrolled here at the University of Maryland, there are additional scholarships you may apply for as well.

Other strategies for identifying financial support to afford college include applying for national grants, local scholarships, and public service programs. National grants include Pell Grants, Academic Competitiveness Grants, and National SMART Grants. Ask your guidance counselor for assistance identifying other grant programs. Many local civic and religious institutions often have financial aid available in the form of scholarships. Contact those organizations in your home community and with which you and your family are involved to learn what is available. Finally, public service programs, such as Peace Corp, AmeriCorps, National Health Services Corps, and ROTC programs offer college money in exchange for a service commitment after college. Explore these options to see if one might fit with your academic and career goals.

Other Financial Aid Options

The Federal Government provides aid to more than 10 million students each year with grants, low interest loans and work-study programs. The Federal student aid programs are the largest source of student aid in America. These programs provide more than $80 billion a year in grants, loans, and work-study assistance.

Freshman applying to University of Maryland, you will automatically be considered for several university scholarships. Transfer students may apply for the Transfer Academic Excellence Scholarship if they qualify.

Scholarships may be also available from the Federal and State government, local companies or your parent's workplace.